TS-480HX/TS-480SAT - Permo Electronics

TS-480HX/TS-480SAT 

HF/50MHz All-Mode Transceiver 

KENWOOD 

NETWORK COMMAND SYSTEMSTEM 

with Voice over Internet Protocol capability

DX Distinction 

— Creative Concept, Elegant Engineering 

❚ 200W output (50MHz: 100W) DC 13.8V 

operation: The TS-480HX is a highly versatile 

rig offering 200W output (50MHz: 100W) — 

making it ideal for both base station and DX’ing 

applications. 

❚ 100W model: The 100W TS-480SAT is 

additionally equipped with a built-in automatic 

antenna tuner. 

❚ TX/RX AF DSP: 16-bit AF digital signal processing 

offers such powerful features as noise reduction, 

TX/RX equalizer, and AF filters. 

❚ Separate LCD control panel with speaker: 

Sporting a large amber LCD with backlit keys, 

the standalone control panel can be positioned 

anywhere up to 13 feet or 4 meters from the 

main unit. 

❚ Continuous RX: 500kHz (VFO: 30kHz) to 60MHz 

❚ TX covers all Amateur bands 1.8MHz to 50MHz 

❚ Other features include a quad-mixer that provides 

RX dynamic range in the TS-950 class, PSK31 

compatibility, packet cluster tune (with TM-D700A), 

PC-based control, and optional IF filters.

Tailor-made for DX’ing, the new TS-480HX HF transceiver raises the bar on mobile 

performance. Despite its compact dimensions, it delivers an astonishing punch: 200W with 

a DC 13.8V supply. Yet its separate control panel is perfect for base station use. 

Sharing virtually all the same powerful features is the 100W TS-480SAT, except that it boasts 

a built-in antenna tuner. Whichever model you choose, you can be sure of enjoying the best 

of both worlds — first-rate communications at home and on the trail. 

200W 

200W Model 

HF/50MHz All-Mode Transceiver 

TS-480HX 

TS-480SAT 



100W Model 

with Built-in Automatic Antenna Tunner

One Rig to Rule Them All 

— Kenwood Engineering at Its Finest 

As a go-anywhere HF/50MHz all-mode transceiver, Kenwood’s 

new TS-480HX/SAT is well ahead of the pack when it comes to advanced 

electronic engineering, convenient features and ease of operation. 

EXCELLENT POWER AND 

PERFORMANCE 

❚ High RF power output 

Equipped with a twin final section featuring splitter and 

combiner circuitry, the TS-480HX can provide up to 

200 watts RF output (50MHz: 100W) with a DC 13.8V 

power supply. The TS-480SAT delivers up to 100 watts. 

Splitter 

Twin final section 

100W 

Combiner 

100W 

200W 

❚ Separate Power Sources 

The 200W TS-480HX features two power terminals (DC1, 

DC2) for separate supply to each half of the twin final 

section; voltage balance is optimized to ensure stable output. 

This arrangement allows for use of two PS-53 power 

supplies or a single 41A power source. 

❚ Twin cooling fans 

When used for extended periods, the heat build-up 

inside a compact transceiver can be a serious concern, 

reducing its working life. But the components in the 

heavy-duty TS-480HX/SAT are designed to withstand 

heat. What is more, it is equipped with a die-cast 

aluminum chassis and twin fans for 

enhanced cooling efficiency. 

And since the control panel is 

separate from the main 

unit, the fans are able to 

generate a powerful airflow 

from front to back. 

As a result, you can rely on 

this transceiver to transmit 

continuously for 30 minutes* without 

having to power down. 

*This figure is supplied for reference purposes only and depends on there being an ambient temperature 

of 25º C, antenna SWR of 1.2 or less, and nothing to obstruct the air flow generated by the cooling fans. 

❚ RX dynamic range 

A quad-mixer provides RX dynamic range equivalent to 

that of the TS-950 class (at 50 kHz separation). 

❚ CW support 

There is a full range of CW features, including auto 

tune. When in SSB mode, a simple key-press will switch 

automatically to CW. Another convenient feature is 

the ability to record three different messages for quick 

transmission during contests. You can choose between 

full and semi-break-in; for the former the delay time 

between key release and active receive mode can be 

set for between 50ms and 1000ms in 50ms steps. 

Other CW features include pitch control (400-1000Hz), 

side tone monitor with 10-step volume setting, an 

electronic keyer, microphone paddle mode and CW 

reverse mode.

The TS-480HX features 

two power terminals 

for the twin final 

section. 

The TS-480SAT is 

equipped with a built-in 

automatic antenna tuner. 

❚ IF filters (option) 

Optionally available for 

more intense operations 

are 500Hz and 270Hz 

band CW narrow IF filters 

(YF-107C, YF-107CN), 

as well as a 1.8kHz band 

SSB narrow IF filter 

(YF-107SN). Any two of 

these IF filters can be installed inside the transceiver. 

AF DIGITAL SIGNAL 

PROCESSING (TX/RX) 

Thanks to a 16-bit digital signal processor offering 

double-precision arithmetic operations (equivalent 

to 32-bit processing), a 

100MHz clock and 16- 

bit A/D & D/A converters, 

the TS-480HX/SAT 

offers many powerful 

features. 

❚ Digital noise limiter (DNL) 

With three level settings, the DNL is highly effective in 

removing even the pulse noise that cannot be eliminated 

with conventional analog circuitry and noise blankers. For 

extra clarity, however, it can be used in conjunction with a 

noise blanker, which removes pulse noise at the IF stage. 

Pulse noise 

Pulse noise removed 

❚ Beat cancel (SSB/AM only) 

DSP will also cancel out 

AF filter 

multiple beats falling 

within the AF filter range. 

Choose BC1 to remove 

weak and/or continuous 

beat interference, or BC2 

to handle intermittent 

beat, like that of a CW 

signal. 

❚ Noise reduction 

NR1 is a line enhanced 

filter with 10 level settings 

(including auto) — great 

for extracting a target 

signal. A good choice for 

CW operations is NR2 

(SPAC), adjustable in 2ms 

increments (2~20ms); 

it can suppress noise at 

the same frequency as 

the target signal, allowing 

it to pull a weak target 

signal out from the 

surrounding noise. 

Target signal 

Filter is configured to lift out 

the target signal. 

Target signal 

NR1 

Target signal is extracted from 

surrounding noise. 

NR2 

Unwanted 

beat 

Adaptive 

filter 

❚ TX/RX equalizer 

The equalizer offers flat (default), high boost (2 types), 

formant pass, bass boost (2 types), conventional and 

user* settings, separately for transmit and receive. 

*Configurable using the ARCP-480 radio control program.

❚ AF filters 

Slope tune can be used to move the target signal 

away from noise using hi-cut and low-cut filters (SSB, 

FM and AM), while Width allows adjustment of the 

pass-band to avoid adjacent noise (CW/FSK). 

LOW cut HI cut Width 

Slope Tune 

Target signal 

Width 

Target signal 

❚ TX filter 

Audio quality during transmit can be adjusted to suit by 

switching between two passband settings (500-2500Hz 

and the default 300-2700Hz). 

❚ Speech processor 

Available for SSB, FM and AM transmission, the speech 

processor enhances the clarity of messages for the 

receiving station. Input/output levels can be finely 

adjusted (0~100). 

❚ CW auto tune 

This feature uses DSP to automatically zero in on a 

target frequency during CW operations. It is also RIT 

compatible. 

ENHANCED OPERATING EASE 

❚ Built-in automatic antenna tuner 

(TS-480SAT) 

The automatic antenna 

tuner inside the 

TS-480SAT — with 

presets for quick band 

changes — covers all 

amateur bands 1.8MHz 

to 54MHz. 

❚ Emphasis on portability 

Outdoor use is facilitated by DC 13.8V operation and compact 

dimensions: the 7.05lbs. (3.2kg) main unit measures 

7-1/16" x 2-3/8" x 10-3/16" (179 X 61 X 258 mm)(W X 

H X D)*, while the 1.1lbs. (0.5kg) control panel is 7-1/16" 

x 2-15/16" x 1-7/16" (180 X 75 X 37 mm)(W X H X D)* 

*Projections not included. 

❚ Separate LCD control panel with speaker 

The large, standalone LCD control panel — featuring its 

own 2-5/8" (6.6cm) speaker (2W max. output) — can be 

freely positioned up to13 feet (4 meters) from the main 

unit. The supplied tabletop panel bracket is convenient 

when using the transceiver 

at home on a desk, while 

the mobile panel bracket is 

ideal for mounting in a car. 

The panel can be snapped 

into place or removed 

from a bracket instantly. 

It also features 34 keys, 

each with backlighting to 

enhance operating ease. 

External terminals 

Control panel 

(6-pin modular) 

Ext. speaker 

(1/8" or 

3.5 mm dia.) 

Data 

(6-pin mini DIN) 

Linear amp remote 

(8-pin mini DIN) 

RS-232C for PC 

or split operations 

(9-pin DSUB) 

ANT2 

ANT1 

Ext. antenna tuner 

Microphone 

(8-pin modular) 

■ Main unit (front) 

■ Main unit (rear)* 

Paddle 

(1/8" or 3.5 mm dia.) 

Key 

(1/8" or 3.5 mm dia.) 

Ground 

DC1 

DC2 

(TS-480HX only) 

*The TS-480SAT is equipped with a single fan.

Attractive backlighting of 

the LCD and keys facilitates 

operation at night. 

❚ Memory Name function 

Clear identification is possible for the 100 memory 

channels with up to 8 alphanumeric characters each. 

❚ Multiple scan functions 

Included among the many scan functions are program 

scan, memory scan, group scan, subtone scan and 

CTCSS scan. 

❚ PC-based control 

The ARCP-480 radio 

control program (freely 

downloadable from the 

Kenwood web site)* 

enables PC-based control 

of all transceiver functions, 

as well as the customizing 

of TX/RX equalizer curves. 

*http://www.kenwood.net 

❚ PSK31 compatible (SSB/FM) 

The TS-480HX/SAT can be connected directly to a computer 

for the increasingly popular PSK31 mode. It also 

offers the following convenient features: 

• Separate adjustment of AF input/output levels (10 steps) 

• Choice of center frequency (1000Hz or 1500Hz) 

• Adjustable AF DSP filter bandwidth (7 steps) 

• Selectable CW narrow IF filters (if installed) 

• TX with VOX function (no need for a PTT control line) 

• Microphone muting during PTT operation via the 

data terminal 

❚ Voice guide & storage unit (option) 

The VGS-1 voice guide and storage unit can serve two 

important roles: vocal confirmation of frequency, key 

operation, etc., and recording/playback of messages 

received by the transceiver. A total of 90 seconds (3 x 

30 seconds) can be recorded and stored in Flash ROM 

for playback and transmission. 

Additionally, a convenient 

constant record 

function means you can 

always play back the last 

30 seconds of reception 

for confirmation. 

❚ Other Features 

• Transverter display function (up to 999.9999 MHz) 

• Wide/Narrow deviation selection (FM TX) 

• Direct Frequency Entry 

• CTCSS (42 subtone frequencies) 

• 1750Hz Tone 

• TX Monitor 

• 5W Minimum RF Output for QRP Operating 

• FSK Reverse 

• Noise Blanker 

• Packet Cluster Tune with TM-D700A* 

• Cross-Band-Repeater(HF, VHF) with TM-D700A 

• Auto Power Off 

• Time-out Timer 

*Frequency data received by the TM-D700A (version G2.0 and later) 

can be transferred to the TS-480 via RS-232C cable (not supplied). 

Kenwood Network Command System 

6-pin 

DIN 

AF out 

Mic in 

ARHP-10 

INTERNET 

Mic & Speaker 

ARCP-480 

RS-232C 

TS-480HX/SAT 

■ Host Station 

■ Remote Station 

Using the ARHP-10 radio host program*, you can even 

control the transceiver remotely over a LAN or via the Internet. 

The Kenwood Network Command System further enables VoIP 

(Voice over Internet Protocol) applications. 

*Internet-linked operation and/or remote control of Amateur Radio products is subject to local licensing and 

legislation in the country of use. Ensure that you operate within the terms of your license at all times. 

To use ARHP-10 requires global IP; any questions regarding IP addresses should be directed to your provider. 

A computer running Windows ® 2000/XP and equipped with a microphone and speakers (or headphones) is 

required for VoIP.

Options 

❚ SO-3 

TCXO 

❚ YF-107C 

500Hz CW Filter 

❚ PG-4Z 

Panel Extension Cable 

Kit (4 meters) 

❚ PG-20 

DC Cable 

(7 meters) 

❚ MC-43S 

Hand Microphone 

(requires MJ-88) 

❚ MC-47 

Hand Microphone 


❚ PS-53 

Heavy-duty 

Power Supply 

(22.5A) 

❚ SP-23 

External Speaker 

❚ ARCP-480 

Radio Control Program 

(available free for downloading 

from the Kenwood website: 

www.kenwood.net) 

❚ YF-107CN 

270Hz CW 

Narrow Filter 

❚ HS-6 

Headphones 

❚ MC-60A 

Deluxe Desktop 

Microphone 


❚ SP-50B 

Mobile Speaker 

❚ ARHP-10 

Radio Host Program 

(available free for downloading 

from the Kenwood website: 

www.kenwood.net) 

❚ YF-107SN 

1.8KHz SSB 

Narrow Filter 

❚ LF-30A 

Low-pass Filter 

(for TS-480SAT) 

❚ MJ-88 

Microphone 

Connection Cord 

❚ VGS-1 

Voice Guide & 

Storage Unit 

Not all accessories may be available. Please contact dealers for details. 

Specifications 



GENERAL 

Transmitter Frequency Range 

160, 80, 40, 30, 20, 17, 15, 12, 10, 6m bands 

Receiver Frequency Range 

0.5 – 30MHz, 50 – 54MHz 

(VFO: Continuous 30kHz – 60MHz) 

Mode 

SSB (J3E), CW (A1A), FSK (F1B), FM (F3E), AM (A3E) 

Power Requirements DC1: 13.8V±15% DC13.8V±15% 

DC 2: 13.8V±15% *1 

Current Drain 

Transmit DC1: Less than 20.5A; Less than 20.5A 

DC 2: Less than 20.5A *2 

Standby Less than 1.5A Less than 1.5A 

Operating Temperature 

-20°C – +60°C 

Frequency Stability 

Main unit 

Within ±5ppm (-10°C – +50°C) 

Within ±10ppm (-20°C – +60°C) 

With optional SO-3 attached 

Within ±0.5ppm (-10°C – +50°C) 

Within ±1.0ppm (-20°C – +60°C) 

Antenna Impedance 

50 Ω 

Microphone Impedance 

600 Ω 

Grounding Method 

Negative ground 

Dimensions (W x H x D) 

Main unit: without / with projections 7-1/16" x 2-3/8" x 10-3/16" (179 x 61 x 258 mm) / 

7-1/16" x 2-3/4" x 10-15/16" (179 x 69.5 x 278 mm) 

Panel: without / with projections 7-1/16" x 2-15/16" x 1-7/16" (180 x 75 x 37mm) / 

7-3/16" x 3-1/16" x 2-11/16"(183 x 78 x 68mm) 

Weight (approx.) 

8.15lbs: Main unit 7.05lbs/Panel 1.1lbs (3.7kg: Main unit 3.2kg / Panel 0.5kg) 

*1 

Voltage differential between DC1 and DC 2 is within 1V. 

*2 

Two power sources each of more than 20.5A or a single 41A source (20.5 + 20.5A) required. 

These specifications are guaranteed for Amateur Bands only. 

Kenwood follows a policy of continuous advancement in development. 

For this reason, specifications may be changed without notice. 



TRANSMITTER 

RF Output Power 

HF (AM) 200W (50W) 100W (25W) 

50MHz (AM) 100W (25W) 100W (25W) 

Modulation: SSB / FM / AM 

Balanced / Phase / Low Power 

Maximum Frequency Deviation: Wide / Narrow Less than ±5kHz / Less than ±2.5kHz 

Spurious Radiation: HF / 50MHz 

Less than -50dB / Less than -60dB 

Carrier Suppression 

More than 40dB (SSB) 

Unwanted Sideband Suppression 

More than 40dB (SSB) 

Transmit Frequency Response 

400 – 2600Hz (within -6dB) 

XIT Variable Range 

±9.99kHz 

Antenna Tuner Matching Range (1.9MHz – 50MHz) — 16.7 – 150Ω 

RECEIVER 

Circuitry 

SSB, CW, AM, FSK 

Double superheterodyne 

FM 

Triple superheterodyne 

Intermediate Frequency: 1st IF / 2nd IF / 3rd IF 73.095MHz / 10.695MHz / 455kHz (FM only) 

Sensitivity 

SSB / CW / FSK (S/N 10dB) 

Less than 4µV (0.5 – 1.705MHz) 

Less than 0.2µV (1.705 – 24.5MHz) 

Less than 0.13µV (24.5 – 30MHz) 

Less than 0.13µV (50 – 54MHz) 

AM (S/N 10dB) 

Less than 31.6µV (0.5 – 1.705MHz) 




FM 12dB SINAD 



Squelch Sensitivity 

SSB /CW /FSK /AM 

FM 

Image Rejection Ratio 

IF Rejection Ratio 

Selectivity 

SSB /CW /FSK 

AM 

FM 

RIT Variable Range 

Beat Elimination 

Audio Output Power 






More than 70dB 

More than 70dB 

More than 2.4kHz (-6dB), Less than 4.4kHz (-60dB) 

More than 5.0kHz (-6dB), Less than 40kHz (-60dB) 

More than 12.0kHz (-6dB), Less than 25.0kHz (-50dB) 

±9.99kHz 

More than 40dB (1kHz) 

More than 2.0W (8 Ω, 10% distortion) 

This has been printed on recycled paper. 

CA283KP-E-8(00) 031203B Printed in Japan

TS-480HX/TS-480SAT - Permo Electronics

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